Speed, power, versatility added to Marlins lineup

MIAMI -- The Marlins made plenty of strides in 2014, improving their win total by 15 games, and staying within striking distance of a National League Wild Card spot into mid-September. Compared to their rough 100-loss campaign in '13, there were plenty of positives.

Miami's mission this year is to take a giant step forward. The front office reshaped the roster, adding the speed of Dee Gordon, the power of Michael Morse and the overall consistency of Martin Prado to the lineup, while also acquiring Mat Latos and Dan Haren to round out the rotation.

MIAMI -- The Marlins made plenty of strides in 2014, improving their win total by 15 games, and staying within striking distance of a National League Wild Card spot into mid-September. Compared to their rough 100-loss campaign in '13, there were plenty of positives.

Miami's mission this year is to take a giant step forward. The front office reshaped the roster, adding the speed of Dee Gordon, the power of Michael Morse and the overall consistency of Martin Prado to the lineup, while also acquiring Mat Latos and Dan Haren to round out the rotation.

The additions, combined with an exciting core, have the organization thinking playoffs.

Still, for all the successes the team had in '14, it ranked seventh in the National League in runs scored (645), 12th in home runs (122), second in strikeouts (1,419) and 13th in stolen bases (58). The pitching gave up 674 runs (fifth most in the league) and the 3.78 team ERA ranked 11th.